Basketball preview: Five things to know about Mount Union men, women

What to watch for in University of Mount Union men's and women's basketball in 2013-14.

By Mike PopovichCantonRep.com staff writer

1, EYEING THE ‘BIG DANCE’

Mount Union could smell it.

With just 13 wins, the Purple Raiders found themselves on the brink of an Ohio Athletic Conference men’s basketball championship and an NCAA Division III tournament berth. A 21-point second-half lead during last spring’s OAC tournament title game appeared safe.

Marietta rallied and shattered Mount Union’s dream. Now, the Raiders are looking to take the next step.

Head coach Mike Fuline has experience on his side. He returns four starters and eight lettermen who undoubtedly still remember the title game disappointment.

2, WHAT LIES AHEAD?

Mount Union has one of the league’s formidable women’s basketball programs. Under head coach Suzy Venet, the Purple Raiders went to three straight NCAA Division III tournaments from 2010-12 and reached the semifinals of the OAC tournament last season.

Many of the players from those teams have moved on. Venet’s challenge this season will be to reload with a young team.

No one should underestimate a Venet-coached team. Her .686 winning percentage in eight seasons is the best in the program history. She also ranks second on the career wins list with 153.

3, BROTHERS REUNITE

Stevie and Miles Griffin are teammates again.

Miles joins his older brother this season at Mount Union. The Griffins played high school basketball for Fuline at Jackson.

Stevie is coming off a solid sophomore season that saw him earn honorable mention All-OAC honors. Miles has recovered from ACL surgery that cost him the second half of his senior year at Jackson.

4, HE KNOWS THEM WELL

Fuline spent six years as Jackson’s head coach before coming to Mount Union. His roster this season features some former Federal League talent.

In addition to the Griffins, Mount Union has guards Michael Shull (Jackson) and Josh Duerr (Lake) and forward Jimmy Darnley (GlenOak). Shull is a transfer from Malone.

5, RECORD SETTER

Annie Bova made an immediate impact as a freshman last season.

Bova tied a Mount Union record Feb. 6 when she hit eight 3-pointers against Muskingum. The eight 3s led to a career-high 24 points.

A 5-foot-5 guard, Bova averaged almost 10 points over her final 10 games. She will be counted on to help lead the young Raiders this season.